Defiance (Defiance #1) – C.J Redwine

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan–the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

I really enjoyed reading Defiance by C.J. Redwine. The characters and plot were so unique and strong that I was instantly captivated. I especially loved the main character, Rachel. To me, Rachel was a strong, capable women, who is easily comparable to a feminist. She took initiative and didn’t rely on the men that surrounded her like the other women in her world. I easily related to her, and I loved following her throughout her journey.

It was a little difficult for me to read about how domineering the men were in Baalboden. It was especially hard to read about the Commander. I’m very sensitive when it comes to women’s rights and the abuse that many women receive from men, which made certain parts of Defiance difficult for me to read. It was a great experience, though, to witness a woman fighting back and fighting the system. Rachel didn’t consider herself unequal to the men in her life and that’s something that I really enjoyed.

Defiance is told from both Logan and Rachel’s perspectives. Usually, I hate books with multiple perspectives, but I really enjoyed it in Defiance. I felt that it was almost necessary to have Logan’s POV in the story. I needed to know both sides of the story and to see how each was coping with the situation. I needed to see the relationship grow from both sides. I found the multiple perspectives in this book very refreshing!

The whole world of Baalboden was so fascinating to read about. There were times that it felt that the book was placed in the future, but there were also times that it felt as if the book was placed in the past. I really didn’t know what to make of that. I enjoyed all of the characters and how well they worked together. It was such a cool universe. I don’t even know how to explain it. You just have to read Defiance to understand how cool it really is.

I found the ending to be a little predictable, but that didn’t take away from the overall story. I’m really interested to see what will happen next, as I’m not quite sure what direction Redwine is going to take it. I do have to say that I really enjoyed how the story progressed and developed. For example, Rachel’s character at the beginning of the book was so different than her character at the end of the book. I think that this was because of her journey and all that she experienced. I really enjoyed being a part of that experience.

Logan and Rachel’s relationship was one of the most adorable things that I have ever witnessed. I was a huge fan of them and I can’t wait to see more of them as a couple. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It was such an adventure, and I can’t wait to see what’s going to come next.

Pages: 403

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Publication Date: August 28th, 2012

Rating: [rating: 4]

Teaser Quote: “I love how you still think if you tell me to do something, I’ll just check my brain at the door and do it.”